Wasilla man missing; truck found on trail near Dollar Creek

A three-day aerial and ground search for a 47-yea-old Wasilla man whose red and white GMC pickup was found stuck in the mud on a trail near Dollar Creek had, as of press time, turned up no sign of the ma.

Alaska State Troopers were notified at 12:39 a.m. on July 15 that John Gamble’s pickup was found on the trail, and Troopers said other items found on scene included personal items that would normally be carried with an individual.

The three days of aerial and ground searches included ASARD K-9 search teams, MATSAR, Helo 1, ATVs from the Alaska State Park rangers as well as troopers. Law enforcement, family, and friends have been unable to contact Gamble.

Troopers said investigation revealed that Gamble went to a mining camp in the Petersville area near Cache Creek with friends in early July. His friends left after July 2 and Gamble stayed behind. That was the last time anyone had contact with him.

Eleven days passed before Gamble was reported overdue by his friends. Gamble was expected to return to work on July 18 but failed to show up.

Gamble is a described as a white male adult approximately 6 foot 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 240 pounds. He has thinning brown hair, a mustache and dark-colored eyes.

Anyone with information regarding Gamble’s whereabouts of Gamble is encouraged to contact Troopers in Talkeetna at 733-2256.